Communicating an Accurate After Action Report - Keeping the Message True and Consistent
In order to better understand the event and learn from our experiences, it’s very important to provide accurate information when recounting the emergency response. Any effort to inaccurately promote oneself or group through the manipulation of details or events should be looked upon as an obstruction of facts. When made available, a Public Information Officer (PIO) should be consulted and a clear message presented on behalf of Incident Command. Remember that both internal and external messages are subject to public information requests and each can be shared across various mediums so to ensure consistency and accuracy, all messages should be routed through the PIO prior to distribution.
Recommendation • Communicate all messages regarding emergency response through Incident Command and/or designee (PIO).
GIS Support
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are used to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of spatial and/or geographical data. GIS-based maps and visualizations greatly assist in understanding situations and making informed decisions. The best thing that an Incident Commander can do is identify local partners who can assist with mapping and analysis needs. It was recognized early in the event that having an assigned GIS representative at both the Command Post and assigned to the unmanned aerial team would have improved the emergency response effort.
Recommendation • Enlist GIS assistance from the outset of the event. • Coordinate with GIS to make best uses of UAS imagery. • Once the event has concluded, use GIS to assist in post-incident review. • Train with GIS representatives in order to identify gaps and needs that may occur during an event.
Logistics for Unmanned Systems and Their Teams
The Wimberley unmanned aviation unit required the following logistical support for operations:
• Food and drink; • Laptop computer for review of images; • Fuel for the mobile command vehicle’s generator; • Access to ATV for VO; • Batteries for radios; • Batteries for UAS platforms; • Field repair kit; and • Cell phone.
From Left to Right: Coitt Kessler - Director - Austin Fire Department Robotic Emergency Deployment (RED) Team, Gene Robinson - (with Spectra) RPFligthSystems, Inc., Andrew Reyes, Austin FD RED Team